Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Progress....
From the "Timeline" post a month or so ago, this is what I hoped then we will accomplish for October:
OCTOBER
1. Begin scouting out potential spaces & putting the word out there that Urban Dharma is looking for space. This process will take a while since it's not quite like looking for an apartment to rent and move in.
2. Complete promotional website. This means completing a) Mission statement (defines the organization's purpose and primary objectives, defines the key measure or measures of the organization’s success, mostly written for the leadership team and "stockholders"), b) Vision statement (communicates both the purpose and values of the organization, gives direction about how we are expected to behave and inspires us to give our best. Shared with "customers," it shapes their understanding of why Urban Dharma is needed, is where they want to be), c) Profiles of Who's Who (who's involved and why and how perhaps the reader see him or herself as part of Urban Dharma, d) Sample of Weekly Program offered, e) How to Get Involved (articulating what kind of financial, professional, help Urban Dharma needs).
We have done - sort of - both. Most pressing right now is to try to get 2. completed so that on November 7 we can direct people to the website, show people the website. The November 7 event is a very important event - in a way, that is when we have to decide as a group if we are going to be serious about Urban Dharma.
OCTOBER
1. Begin scouting out potential spaces & putting the word out there that Urban Dharma is looking for space. This process will take a while since it's not quite like looking for an apartment to rent and move in.
2. Complete promotional website. This means completing a) Mission statement (defines the organization's purpose and primary objectives, defines the key measure or measures of the organization’s success, mostly written for the leadership team and "stockholders"), b) Vision statement (communicates both the purpose and values of the organization, gives direction about how we are expected to behave and inspires us to give our best. Shared with "customers," it shapes their understanding of why Urban Dharma is needed, is where they want to be), c) Profiles of Who's Who (who's involved and why and how perhaps the reader see him or herself as part of Urban Dharma, d) Sample of Weekly Program offered, e) How to Get Involved (articulating what kind of financial, professional, help Urban Dharma needs).
We have done - sort of - both. Most pressing right now is to try to get 2. completed so that on November 7 we can direct people to the website, show people the website. The November 7 event is a very important event - in a way, that is when we have to decide as a group if we are going to be serious about Urban Dharma.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Sketch: Joseph Nabholz
I grew up in Pennsylvania with two brothers and a sister, wise parents, and lots of land. In our own order, we were home schooled, fed vegetables, and sent out into the world. I then received an English degree from Warren Wilson College in 2008, and more recently, I taught ESL in Taiwan for two years, where I also studied Mandarin and ate as much food as possible.
I have always been interested in the arts, especially acting and writing, and I look forward to an opportunity to incorporate them with my larger plans. Otherwise, sometimes I ride a bicycle, or sketch a picture, or drink imported teas, or do any other number of things that pass the time pleasurably.
My curiosity in Buddhism really took shape in college and quickly became a strong influence for what I chose to do with my other interests. I journeyed through Tibet, Northern India, Taiwan (where, for a short time, I lived and studied in a monastery), and other parts of Southeast Asia. I experienced, for the first time, culture—not simply influenced—but rather infused with Buddhism, which was manifest in each country in its various forms and colors.
Following this broad—at moments, quite specific—familiarization with Buddhism and Buddhist culture, I’m more inspired than ever to find ways for the Dharma to arise more naturally in America.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Nonprofit Status- What We Need to Get Started
Checklist for establishing a 501(c)(3) in North Carolina
http://www.ncnonprofits.org/faq/HowToStartA501%28c%29%283%29Nonprofit.pdf
1. Establish a Board of Directors
“NC law requires only one board member, but best practices recommend that you have no fewer than five; seven or more are preferable.”
Roles and Responsibilities of board members: “selecting and reviewing the performance of the chief executive; recruiting new board members; ensuring effective organizational planning; evaluating organizational performance; providing financial oversight; and ensuring legal and ethical integrity”, etc.
2. Establish the organizations mission and purpose, short- and long-term goals identifying who the organization will serve, clarifying the driving values behind the organization, and planning for how the organization’s mission may evolve.
3. Create organizational bylaws (“It’s helpful to review those of existing non-profits and to have a lawyer review them before they’re finalized.”) (“In both membership and non-member corporations, a set of rules known as the bylaws governs the internal administration and regulation of the affairs of the corporation. The bylaws may contain any provisions not inconsistent with the law or the Articles of Incorporation. The initial bylaws must be adopted by the incorporators or board of directors. A complete set of the bylaws, however, will not be filed with the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State.”)
4. Incorporate by registering with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
(www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations)
Articles of Incorporation for NC then require:
-Corporate name: “The exact corporate name, including abbreviations, punctuation, etc. must be used consistently in all documents files”
-A statement to the effect that the organization is a “charitable or religious organization.”
-Registered office and agent: “A nonprofit corporation is required to have a registered office and a registered agent…The duty of the registered agent is to forward to the corporation at its last known address any notice, process, or demand that is served on the corporation.” A registered agent, in most cases, must be an individual who resides in North Carolina and whose business address is identical to the registered office. “The Articles of Incorporation must set forth the street address of the registered office, as well as the county in which the registered office is located, and the name of the initial registered agent. The registered office may, but need not be, the same as any of the corporation’s places of business.
-Incorporator: “the person who signs and files the Articles of Incorporation is known as the incorporator. There must be at least one incorporator. The name and address of each incorporator must be indicated”
-Members: Under NC law, a non-profit may or may not have members. If it is to have members, this must be specified in the Articles of Incorporation. If it is to have no members, this must also be specified.
-Provisions for Distribution of Assets: Must include provisions regarding distribution of corporations assets upon its dissolution and termination. A fair amount of flexibility, but do have to be consistent with NC law (consult N.C. Gen. Stat. 55A-14-03 “Plan of Dissolution”)
-Principal Office: A nonprofit corporation is required to set forth its principal office address in its Articles of Incorporation.
-Optional Provisions: Can include:
A statement of the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized;
The names and addresses of the initial directors;
Provisions relating to management and regulation of the corporation’s affairs;
Provisions which define, limit, or regulate the powers of the corporation, its directors, and its members (or any class of members);
Provisions defining the qualifications, rights, and responsibilities of. its members; and
Provisions limiting or eliminating the personal liability of any director for monetary damages for breach of any duty as a director.
That last one about eliminating personal liability is important.
-Statutory Powers (all nonprofits in NC have these, and they don not need to be stated in the Articles of Incorporation)
Among these statutory powers are the following: to sue, and be sued; to complain and defend in the corporate name; to have and affix a corporate seal; to purchase, lease, acquire, hold, use, own, or otherwise deal in and with any real and personal property; to make contracts and incur liabilities; to elect or appoint officers; to make and alter bylaws; to lend money for corporate purposes; and to have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized.
Filing the NC Articles of Incorporation – must be submitted by mail or in person to the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State, along with check, money order, or cash for the required $60 filing fee.
Tax-exempt Status
“It is crucial to keep in mind that not all nonprofit corporations are automatically tax-exempt. Before commencing its operations, the corporation must decide whether it can qualify for tax-exempt status. This may be necessary in order for the corporation to avoid paying taxes on its income and in order for donors to claim tax deductions for contributions. Whether a corporation has obtained federal tax-exempt status is a relevant factor in the state’s decision to also grant exempt status. Thus, the federal application should be made first. Often, this will have a substantial bearing on any subsequent grant of exemption by the state.”
So, first: Board of Directors, bylaws, and NC Articles of Incorporation.
Then, we have to begin Federal IRS paperwork.
It is strongly recommended that we have an accountant or CPA familiar with nonprofit tax law review our application before submission- Does anyone know one of these?
And, we will then hear back from the IRS in 3-24 months.
Time to get started now, I think.
http://www.ncnonprofits.org/faq/HowToStartA501%28c%29%283%29Nonprofit.pdf
1. Establish a Board of Directors
“NC law requires only one board member, but best practices recommend that you have no fewer than five; seven or more are preferable.”
Roles and Responsibilities of board members: “selecting and reviewing the performance of the chief executive; recruiting new board members; ensuring effective organizational planning; evaluating organizational performance; providing financial oversight; and ensuring legal and ethical integrity”, etc.
2. Establish the organizations mission and purpose, short- and long-term goals identifying who the organization will serve, clarifying the driving values behind the organization, and planning for how the organization’s mission may evolve.
3. Create organizational bylaws (“It’s helpful to review those of existing non-profits and to have a lawyer review them before they’re finalized.”) (“In both membership and non-member corporations, a set of rules known as the bylaws governs the internal administration and regulation of the affairs of the corporation. The bylaws may contain any provisions not inconsistent with the law or the Articles of Incorporation. The initial bylaws must be adopted by the incorporators or board of directors. A complete set of the bylaws, however, will not be filed with the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State.”)
4. Incorporate by registering with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
(www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations)
Articles of Incorporation for NC then require:
-Corporate name: “The exact corporate name, including abbreviations, punctuation, etc. must be used consistently in all documents files”
-A statement to the effect that the organization is a “charitable or religious organization.”
-Registered office and agent: “A nonprofit corporation is required to have a registered office and a registered agent…The duty of the registered agent is to forward to the corporation at its last known address any notice, process, or demand that is served on the corporation.” A registered agent, in most cases, must be an individual who resides in North Carolina and whose business address is identical to the registered office. “The Articles of Incorporation must set forth the street address of the registered office, as well as the county in which the registered office is located, and the name of the initial registered agent. The registered office may, but need not be, the same as any of the corporation’s places of business.
-Incorporator: “the person who signs and files the Articles of Incorporation is known as the incorporator. There must be at least one incorporator. The name and address of each incorporator must be indicated”
-Members: Under NC law, a non-profit may or may not have members. If it is to have members, this must be specified in the Articles of Incorporation. If it is to have no members, this must also be specified.
-Provisions for Distribution of Assets: Must include provisions regarding distribution of corporations assets upon its dissolution and termination. A fair amount of flexibility, but do have to be consistent with NC law (consult N.C. Gen. Stat. 55A-14-03 “Plan of Dissolution”)
-Principal Office: A nonprofit corporation is required to set forth its principal office address in its Articles of Incorporation.
-Optional Provisions: Can include:
A statement of the purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized;
The names and addresses of the initial directors;
Provisions relating to management and regulation of the corporation’s affairs;
Provisions which define, limit, or regulate the powers of the corporation, its directors, and its members (or any class of members);
Provisions defining the qualifications, rights, and responsibilities of. its members; and
Provisions limiting or eliminating the personal liability of any director for monetary damages for breach of any duty as a director.
That last one about eliminating personal liability is important.
-Statutory Powers (all nonprofits in NC have these, and they don not need to be stated in the Articles of Incorporation)
Among these statutory powers are the following: to sue, and be sued; to complain and defend in the corporate name; to have and affix a corporate seal; to purchase, lease, acquire, hold, use, own, or otherwise deal in and with any real and personal property; to make contracts and incur liabilities; to elect or appoint officers; to make and alter bylaws; to lend money for corporate purposes; and to have and exercise all powers necessary or convenient to effect any or all of the purposes for which the corporation is organized.
Filing the NC Articles of Incorporation – must be submitted by mail or in person to the N.C. Department of the Secretary of State, along with check, money order, or cash for the required $60 filing fee.
Tax-exempt Status
“It is crucial to keep in mind that not all nonprofit corporations are automatically tax-exempt. Before commencing its operations, the corporation must decide whether it can qualify for tax-exempt status. This may be necessary in order for the corporation to avoid paying taxes on its income and in order for donors to claim tax deductions for contributions. Whether a corporation has obtained federal tax-exempt status is a relevant factor in the state’s decision to also grant exempt status. Thus, the federal application should be made first. Often, this will have a substantial bearing on any subsequent grant of exemption by the state.”
So, first: Board of Directors, bylaws, and NC Articles of Incorporation.
Then, we have to begin Federal IRS paperwork.
It is strongly recommended that we have an accountant or CPA familiar with nonprofit tax law review our application before submission- Does anyone know one of these?
And, we will then hear back from the IRS in 3-24 months.
Time to get started now, I think.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Sketch of Jeff
Jeff Richey
I grew up in a suburb north of Pittsburgh, PA, near where I am currently residing.
For a couple of years after high school I moved from Pittsburgh to southern California where I worked and lived with a couple of friends from school. I returned to Pittsburgh and delivered pizza for about a year before applying to college. I had visited Warren Wilson College once to see a friend and go to a concert in Asheville. I guess it wasn't long after that visit that I decided I had enough of the pizza delivery thing and I should continue my education. The public high school I attended did not do much to appease my drive for higher knowledge, and after looking at WWC's degree programs I thought that Religious Studies and Philosophy seemed to appeal to me most.
Dr. Lye was one of the first faculty members I talked to at WWC. During orientation week he was representing the Religious Studies faculty at an event for students to learn about the different academic programs and to meet faculty. In my first semester I enrolled in two Religious Studies courses, both with Hun, on Buddhism and Hinduism. I found both courses to be very compelling and engaging, and at times I remember feeling like a tug-of-war was occurring in me over which of the paths seemed to be calling to me most, as I was getting many signals from all angles.
In the end, the profound dharma of the Buddha seems to have prevailed, with perhaps some influence coming from the instructor's bias. But bias or not, I can't deny the multitude of ways I have been transformed by the dharma, initially by Dr. Lye's course, and in the many opportunities he and others have extended to me to continue engaging this path. As a freshmen in Dr. Lye's course, I read along and followed lectures that evoked an inner analysis of my own experience and every day I realized how much my own thoughts reflected and resonated with the Buddha's teachings. With Dr. Lye's consistent encouragement and prodding, I became involved in -be-, the Buddhist interest group co-founded by Dr. Lye and his devoted cult of students at Warren Wilson.
Among the other major influences on my thought and development from Warren Wilson, I have to acknowledge the radical critical philosophies of Prof. Mark Cobb, the enraged populist politics of Dr. Frank Kalinowski, the ludic and illuminating depth of dialog and dialectic as only Sam Scoville could inspire, and countless others who have given me sincere encouragement and inspiration.
But at the heart of it all, I have to say I can only truly take refuge in the Buddhist path. Radical politics and philosophy can be a vital form of expression and communication for realizing social justice and equality in the world, but in order to not lose sight of the boundless wisdom and compassion it will take to realize those goals, only the dharma can provide that.
It has been a joy and a real honor to continually be involved in something I have watched blossom and helped form, from the early days of -be- to what it is becoming now with Urban Dharma. I look forward to getting to know more about all of you and hearing some of your ideas for how we can spread the luminosity of the dharma to change minds and transform cities.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tsok-day in Davidson
It's tsok-day again. This time, I stayed home in Davidson and Valerie and Brian joined me to offer Gurupūjā and Gaṇacakra. And Valerie came with great news - she's engaged and the big day is in May! Yay! Congrats Val!Here are some pictures from tsok-day today.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
A Short Visit
Emily and I were in Asheville for a short weekend visit. It was really amazing to be back and I was glad to be able to meet up with some fellow Urban Dharma friends for the first time since UD's conception. I had a great time hanging out with Hun, Josh and Bri, and it was a pleasure to meet Hun's friend Jay for the first time. We looked at a few of the prospective spaces for UD downtown. I'm really excited about all of this beginning to take off.
I'll try to get a profile written up some time this week. And I finished reading Mishra's An End to Suffering. Now I'm going back and reviewing some of the material to gather some reflections to share with you all. Look for that in the next few weeks.
Also, I found a link to what looks like a well done text on Buddhism and Social Action: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/jones/wheel285.html
I haven't looked at it very much yet, but I thought I should share.
Jeff
Possible locations
Here is an update from Judy. Please give your thoughts and ideas!
14 Eagle Street – across from Limones – has been available for a year and is likely to be available in the spring. It is 1304 sq. ft.
and leases for $1304/mo. With utilities, that is likely to be about $1500/mo. The space is divided into small offices but could be renovated with walls removed. The landlord would likely paint and replace carpet without charge but demolition of walls would probably be at our expense. There is a bath in the hallway that is shared by the tenants in the building and would probably accommodate our public needs. The space has good visibility from the street. The listing agent is Robin Boylan with Beverly-Hanks.
33 Carolina Lane – this is the alley off Walnut St. This area is a bit dilapidated and is mixed with residential and commercial. This is a total of 2600 Sq. ft. but 1300 is an open basement. The top floor has a large room plus an efficiency apartment including a bath and kitchen. It leases for $1500/mo as is and the lower level could possible be sub
let for about $500. Utilities are extra but I couldn’t find out what they run. If it is still available in the spring, the landlord may negotiate the price and amount of space. The bath could be a problem for public use. The Yoga Center is next door. There are several spaces laid out similarly along the alley and any could be available when we are ready. A similar space has just been leased by computer geeks. Look at this website and click on the photo to see what they’ve done – it looks good - http://www.thetinktank.com/. The listing agent is Andy Brockmier. This space appears to be more problematic than Eagle Street but we’d have to look at both.
41 Lexington Avenue – above What was the Old Europe Café but has street
access behind on Rankin Ave. A 1-story condo in heart of downtown. 2 entrances, one ground-level on corner of Rankin & Walnut, and another off Lexington w/stairway to 2nd fl. Vanilla shell w/loads of character - high ceilings, exposed beams, wood floors, HUGE windows & great light. Space last used as The Fine Arts League. Could be great live/work, office, studio/gallery, limited retail, or residence. There are 3 baths. Includes parking space on Lexington Ave. Storage in basement. This has 4000 sq. ft. and is $2675/mo. plus utilities so may be out of our price range but looks like a great space. It’s nicely located and looks good inside but would need some renovation. View it at http://www.pattonpropertygroup.com/ and put in the MLS # 463991. It is listed with The Real Estate Center but that’s not a friendly site for getting details.
I’ve not heard anything back about the double – door property (63 N. Lexington) – am not sure it’s still on the market.
14 Eagle Street – across from Limones – has been available for a year and is likely to be available in the spring. It is 1304 sq. ft.
and leases for $1304/mo. With utilities, that is likely to be about $1500/mo. The space is divided into small offices but could be renovated with walls removed. The landlord would likely paint and replace carpet without charge but demolition of walls would probably be at our expense. There is a bath in the hallway that is shared by the tenants in the building and would probably accommodate our public needs. The space has good visibility from the street. The listing agent is Robin Boylan with Beverly-Hanks. 33 Carolina Lane – this is the alley off Walnut St. This area is a bit dilapidated and is mixed with residential and commercial. This is a total of 2600 Sq. ft. but 1300 is an open basement. The top floor has a large room plus an efficiency apartment including a bath and kitchen. It leases for $1500/mo as is and the lower level could possible be sub
let for about $500. Utilities are extra but I couldn’t find out what they run. If it is still available in the spring, the landlord may negotiate the price and amount of space. The bath could be a problem for public use. The Yoga Center is next door. There are several spaces laid out similarly along the alley and any could be available when we are ready. A similar space has just been leased by computer geeks. Look at this website and click on the photo to see what they’ve done – it looks good - http://www.thetinktank.com/. The listing agent is Andy Brockmier. This space appears to be more problematic than Eagle Street but we’d have to look at both.41 Lexington Avenue – above What was the Old Europe Café but has street
access behind on Rankin Ave. A 1-story condo in heart of downtown. 2 entrances, one ground-level on corner of Rankin & Walnut, and another off Lexington w/stairway to 2nd fl. Vanilla shell w/loads of character - high ceilings, exposed beams, wood floors, HUGE windows & great light. Space last used as The Fine Arts League. Could be great live/work, office, studio/gallery, limited retail, or residence. There are 3 baths. Includes parking space on Lexington Ave. Storage in basement. This has 4000 sq. ft. and is $2675/mo. plus utilities so may be out of our price range but looks like a great space. It’s nicely located and looks good inside but would need some renovation. View it at http://www.pattonpropertygroup.com/ and put in the MLS # 463991. It is listed with The Real Estate Center but that’s not a friendly site for getting details.I’ve not heard anything back about the double – door property (63 N. Lexington) – am not sure it’s still on the market.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Hello everyone!
Kyle Peters here. Just wanted to post a quick note, and say what a great idea the center is! I just got back from taking refuge with H.E. Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche at Drepung Loseling in Atlanta, GA. It was a really nice event, though I feel that I missed out on some of the subtleties of the ceremony because of the language barrier. Having a center nearby that's both accessible and informative would be a great help in understanding some of the more esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism (especially to us small-town novices :] ). I'll be keeping an eye on its progress and jumping in with my two-cents from time to time. Good luck and lets keep the great ideas going!
Cheers,
Kyle
Kyle Peters here. Just wanted to post a quick note, and say what a great idea the center is! I just got back from taking refuge with H.E. Gaden Tripa Rizong Rinpoche at Drepung Loseling in Atlanta, GA. It was a really nice event, though I feel that I missed out on some of the subtleties of the ceremony because of the language barrier. Having a center nearby that's both accessible and informative would be a great help in understanding some of the more esoteric aspects of Tibetan Buddhism (especially to us small-town novices :] ). I'll be keeping an eye on its progress and jumping in with my two-cents from time to time. Good luck and lets keep the great ideas going!
Cheers,
Kyle
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Delightful to the Senses
Here are some pictures we took in Asheville (well... Swannanoa actually).
At this past celebration, I really did feel that we as a group were able to experience the meaning/essence of Gurupūjā and Gaṇacakra-offering. A little of the "divine" quality definitely came through and there was a dignity and presence unlike other times that I've attended this practice. I hope we will continue to explore and to deepen our experience of this practice.
If you were there and have something to offer, to share - please post your comments. This is where "sangha" is slowly but surely happening.
When Urban Dharma has a physical home in downtown Asheville, Gaṇacakra-offering will be one of the main celebrations we will hold. Other aspects of Gaṇacakra-offering will be incorporated as we continue to learn this practice - offerings of "songs of realization" being one of them. Stay tuned!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Josh Nash: My Profile (in the rough)
My name is Joshua Nash, which is no indication of who I really am. Originally from Nashville, I transferred to Buncombe County in 2006 to begin Religious Studies at Warren Wilson College. The Buddha's teachings came into my life by way of my engagement with music as mystical experience (hearing jazz's avantgarde, Bach, Shankar, to name a few big ones), to make a long story short. Those initial teen-aged curiosities have blossomed beyond belief, and only continue to grow in interest of freeing myself and all life. As this leg of the path at WWC winds to an end in December, I am excited in seeing what is over the ridge: Urban Dharma and the challenge/privilege of "changing minds and transforming cities." Viewing my own wavering mind over these 8 years of Buddhist education and practice, through times of greater or lesser regularity, I realize that this is no easy mission-- indeed, seemingly impossible. However, we could not have a nobler task. What could be more important than discovering for ourselves and with others our true nature and living joyfully in our interdependence? With that as motivation, this project in building community is a once-in-this-lifetime opportunity. Ashevillians, visitors, newcomers and seasoned veterans alike will come to Urban Dharma to learn ways to ease suffering, clear the mind, find simple enjoyments (friends & tea), and keep ignorance at bay. My wish is that this center kindles my own aspiration to free minds, and that it instills such ambition and compassion in the hearts of all who come to see, hear, and be themselves.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Responsibilty of Us Younger (and Older) Practitioners
What is our responsibility as Western Practitioners in bringing Dharma to the West?
Most post earlier as a comment to the Khyentse Rinpoche post was a bit of a ramble, but I want to bring this important point a bit more clearly.
I think Rinpoche eloquently points out the responsibility and failings of Tibetans, and I couldn’t agree any more. What I wonder is what our responsibility is.
Similarly, What is Urban Dharma's role in that?
Briefly, I think the failings of Tibetan and other traditional Buddhist institutions only makes it that much more pertinent that we ourselves really integrate in a full way the Dharma teachings. We really need to contemplate these teachings and spend some time thinking about their meaning and what they mean in cultural context for them to be relevant. Before we go to the cave to realize the full meaning, a lot of contemplation is necessary. I think in order to do that we need good guides (check) and a lot of determination. Also important is a very open, clear and fearless mind.
I don’t fault the Tibetans too much for their failings, although they are real. What I really think is, we need to take the real meaning of these teachings to heart, implement them in our lives, and integrate the meditation practice. I think Urban Dharma’s role is to provide a space for the exploration, competent guidance from our more experienced members, and community for the long term feeling of support and our enjoyment.
Renunciation, in the beginning, is not going to the caves; it is steady study of the teachings, a lot of contemplation and thought, and a bit of steady practice. If we can do that with a really pure heart, I think we are really heading in the right direction.
What do you think?
Most post earlier as a comment to the Khyentse Rinpoche post was a bit of a ramble, but I want to bring this important point a bit more clearly.
I think Rinpoche eloquently points out the responsibility and failings of Tibetans, and I couldn’t agree any more. What I wonder is what our responsibility is.
Similarly, What is Urban Dharma's role in that?
Briefly, I think the failings of Tibetan and other traditional Buddhist institutions only makes it that much more pertinent that we ourselves really integrate in a full way the Dharma teachings. We really need to contemplate these teachings and spend some time thinking about their meaning and what they mean in cultural context for them to be relevant. Before we go to the cave to realize the full meaning, a lot of contemplation is necessary. I think in order to do that we need good guides (check) and a lot of determination. Also important is a very open, clear and fearless mind.
I don’t fault the Tibetans too much for their failings, although they are real. What I really think is, we need to take the real meaning of these teachings to heart, implement them in our lives, and integrate the meditation practice. I think Urban Dharma’s role is to provide a space for the exploration, competent guidance from our more experienced members, and community for the long term feeling of support and our enjoyment.
Renunciation, in the beginning, is not going to the caves; it is steady study of the teachings, a lot of contemplation and thought, and a bit of steady practice. If we can do that with a really pure heart, I think we are really heading in the right direction.
What do you think?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Dzongsar Khyentse on Dharma in the West
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche - one of the great lamas around these days - speaks of the future of Dharma in the West in this short video-clip of an address he gave at his foundation's board meeting this summer. Do go watch the clip ( <-- click it) - very relevant to our efforts to establish Urban Dharma.A few especially relevant excerpts from this talk:
"You know sometimes, there is some very, very important work that we have to do. And there is another very very important thing we have to do also. And then this becomes an obstacle to this one.... So, we have all the Tibetan stuff, Tibet as a whole country, Bhutan... and then the monasteries, and all of that. And then we have what I just told you - this young, modern, all these people who are coming, who are really interested in Buddhism. And we have this... and I understand... this paranoia... that Tibet, the culture, the monastery, the rinpoches, is so important, and of course it’s important. But this is hijacking, kind of hijacking our attention from this, sort of the modern, the young generation’s, interest in Buddhism."
"Among the younger lamas, there are some really good ones, but there are lots of not so good ones, really, really dodgy ones, I have to say. Few good ones but unfortunately, they are so tied up, actually myself included, tied up with something back home, in India, you know, they have monasteries to take care. So even when they come to the West, on every level, they are looking for some kind of support, that will go to the east, the monastery, so what these Croatians, Bulgarians, Chinese - what they think - is not the priority so to speak. They are more the sponsor and helper level.... I can understand that... so there is that.... But there is also so much interest in Buddhism (here).... but not enough teachers. So we have to really begin to think, to train the instructors."
Rinpoche went on to briefly mention the problem of teachers in the West who - though many with very good intentions - don't know what they are doing, don't know what they are teaching and so end up creating lots of confusion. In the face of this, he emphasized the importance of seriously starting to train teachers locally.
Urban Dharma is primarily a place for Dharma to take roots locally. It is not that we are trying to churn out teachers - that would be a mistake, to make that a goal. The focus is on letting the Dharma be firmly established in our backyard so to speak. For this to happen, we need teachers and we need students. We need workers, we need dreamers. But most importantly, we need people who are grounded in and committed to building sangha, building a Dharma-centered community, people who do Dharma not just for our own sakes, not only so that I can feel better supported - as important as that might be. But we need to realize that what we are embarking to do is no less than bringing benefit to all sentient beings. This is not some sort of messiah complex that I am trying to encourage. But this is a reminder that we cannot and in fact, will not be able to actualize Urban Dharma if we only think about: "what am I getting out of this?" or "how can I feel better about myself by signing on to this?" This I gets in the way.
To build Urban Dharma is to manifest bodhicitta. And to actualize bodhicitta is to be buddhas.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Tsok day, Holy day - Again!
This Sunday is "tsok-day" again - this time the 25th day in the Tibetan calendar. A group of us are gathering to practice the "Very Brief Gurupūjā of the Great Drikungpa"and celebrate "Shower of Blessings Gaṇacakra-offering" in Swannanoa, at Brianna and Joel's home. It's scheduled for 11 am - 1 pm. Join us if you are in the area (call one of us for details) and if you are not around this area, you should celebrate this holy day in your own way. It means making extra effort to experience "all forms as deity, all sounds as mantra and all thoughts/feelings as wisdom." In particular, all enjoyments are to be enjoyed without grasping or heaviness but with delight, spaciousness and equanimity. Call me if you want more tips on celebrating tsok-day.
I'm "re-posting" the initial post on celebrating tsok-day.
Brian and I celebrated "tsok-day" on Friday by practicing the "Very Brief Gurupūjā of the Great Drikungpa" (Lama Chöpa) and "Shower of Blessings Gaṇacakra-offering" (Tsok). Tsok-days occur twice a month, on the tenth and twenty-fifth day of the (Tibetan) lunar calendar. According to the tantras, these are days when actual dakas and ḍakinīs are said to gather at the twenty-four holy sites to celebrate the tantric vision of purity-emptiness of all phenomena by bringing all sensual enjoyments onto the path - they feast, sing and dance. These are also days when the inner dakas and ḍakinīs - i.e. masculine and feminine energies - gather in the twenty-four nodes in our inherent vajra-bodies (crown of the head, point in-between eyebrows, throat, palate, calves, knees etc.). As practitioners of deity-yoga (i.e. vajrayana) and especially those who have received any unexcelled yoga tantra empowerment, it is best if we are able to celebrate these bi-monthly tsok-days. In this way, we become in-synced with the gathering ("tsok" literally means "gathering") of actual dakas and ḍakinīs as well as the inner dakas and ḍakinīs. Celebrating tsok is the most effective way to "accumulate the two heaps (of wisdom and skilful-means/compassion)" and "purify the two obscurations."
This practice - "The Very Brief Gurupūjā of the Great Drikungpa" with "Shower of Blessings Gaṇacakra-offering" - will be one of the core practices at Urban Dharma. It'll form the center of our bi-monthly celebration of experiencing and realizing the tantric vision of purity-emptiness. It will be our bi-monthly entry point to "more fully embody(ing) the entire spectrum of (our) lives." We are temporarily prioritizing these special occasions, these holy days, as doorways to revealing the fundamental purity-emptiness of all phenomena.At the end of practice last night, Brian asked me, "so when's the next tsok-day." So on the spot, we decided that we will keep the upcoming tsok-days regardless of whether it'll be on a Sunday or Tuesday or Wednesday. We figured that in our particular situation, it won't be so much of a challenge to not let "busy-ness" stand in our way of celebrating the tsok. And something that Brian said was helpful: "I felt good the whole day - seeing it as a 'holy day'." And in doing so, got a little bit closer to experiencing the tantric vision.
And in the context of our plans of manifesting Urban Dharma, as I have said before, we need to ground this whole effort in our deepening our commitment to practice. "Engagement bodhicitta" (i.e. building Urban Dharma) cannot be actualized if we do not have "aspiration bodhicitta" (i.e. training the mind). And no matter where we are in our practice right now, I am sure, we can all deepen it. Whether practice at this point consists of reading a couple of pages of Dharma now and then or daily, or even just thinking a little bit about Dharma when in the shower or while driving, or a couple of sessions of sādhana practice daily, or weekly or monthly, as long as we make effort to improve - whether it's improving in quality or even quantity, it's progress. It's one step closer to awakening, one step closer to sanity. If we are not practicing to end confusion, then we are only practicing confusion. And the trouble with practicing confusion is that it can never be perfected! Furthermore, to start something like Urban Dharma requires A LOT of merit and blessings and this cannot be achieved without applying the powerful methods of accumulating merit taught in the tantras. There will also be a LOT of obstacles and so the purification that tsok celebrations deliver is very important. Indispensable if we want to manifest Urban Dharma.
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| Tsok at Drikung-thil, Tibet |
If you want some ideas of how to observe these "holy days," let me know or scribble your thoughts here!
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